THE UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF PULLING TOGETHER

Years ago, I participated in a team-building event that culminated in a classic tug-of-war contest. Picture this: two teams, one massive rope, and a daunting mud pit awaiting the losers. Before the battle commenced, each team had a mere three minutes to devise a winning strategy.

Our secret weapon? A retired U.S. Marine with extensive tug-of-war experience. His strategy was unconventional but brilliant. Instead of immediately pulling, he instructed us to use all our energy to hold our ground. “Concentrate and hold together,” he said. At his count to three, we would pull as one unified force.

The power of collective effort, he promised, would be unstoppable.

And just as he predicted, when he roared “Three!” we pulled with such synchronicity that the opposing team tumbled into the mud pit. The adrenaline rush was electrifying, our energy sky-high, and the celebration? Absolutely unforgettable.

This experience underscored a profound lesson: the power of pulling together is not just a strategy but a transformative force.

When a leader aligns a team around a clear vision, the collective energy and momentum can feel nearly palpable. Here are five steps to harness this incredible power:

As we look ahead, let’s embrace clarity, unity, and the commitment to pull together. Together, we are unstoppable.

Let’s not just aim to succeed – let’s exceed our wildest dreams.

Here’s to pulling together!
–Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.

A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.